The Dog Days of Spring

Pacific Dogwood Tree

As we cruise into the second half of spring, the wildflower search team is busier than the proverbial "gopher in a golf course." Dozens of woodland plants are blooming locally as well as those dry-land plants out in the eastern Columbia River Gorge. We tend to have our botanical eyes and cameras pointed down at the ground as we navigate trails and paths - a bad habit for both safety reasons and because there are other interesting things blooming above us now!

As a kid, I enjoyed climbing big-branched deciduous trees. My mother saw my tree habit as an anxiety generator, but eventually it helped me appreciate nature - especially after some near-catastrophic slips! On many of these tree climbing missions, the one particular tree I actually recall clearly is the dogwood. Not that I climbed up a dogwood, as they are too spindly in most cases, but probably the unique flower appearance and name stuck in my head. Turns out, of the 45 species of dogwood in the world, only two are native to the Northwest: the Pacific Dogwood tree (Cornus nuttalii). and the shrub, Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea). There are many cultivar ornamental dogwoods as well, and these hardy and striking trees delightfully grace our urban landscapes with white and pink blooms every spring.

The native Pacific Dogwood has a simple beauty in my mind. It typically grows in the partially shaded understory, going unnoticed most of the year until spring, when the large white flower-like bracts open up. Then we humans, as well as a host of insects, enjoy the dogwood show. In the photo here you can see the actual tiny flowers in the center of the bracts.

The common name comes from early use of the hard wood to make skewers or "dags." So "dagwood" eventually became "dogwood" according to several sources. Initially, explorer David Douglas thought this tree was identical to the eastern dogwoods. However, in 1835 Thomas Nutall noticed differences in their floral leaves. Hence the Latin name "nuttallii" for this western species.

Red Osier Dogwood

From looking at the dogwood tree, you would never know the Red Osier Dogwood shrub was at all related to the tree. However, its parts were extensively used by early native peoples. The slender branches were dried and used to spread fresh salmon for drying or roasting. A tonic tea was made from the bark and the bitter seeds were eaten by inland natives. You'll see these dogwoods blooming near wetlands or moist areas along roads or disturbed areas. They can grow up to 12 ft. tall in optimal habitats. The flowers are tiny, cream-colored, with four petals. They are arranged in large fist-sized clusters as shown below.

     

The namesake bark is red all year.

So now that we have been looking up at trees and shrubs, let's take a quick look down. While on a hike in the Oregon Coast Range last week we came across some just barely blooming Bunchberry (Cornus unalaschkensis), a.k.a., Dwarf Dogwood. You've probably seen this petite ground cover dweller growing higher up, in the Cascades, later in the year. Or you may remember seeing the bright red berries in the fall. As you can tell from the name, this plant is also in the Cornus genus, making it a close relative! It can grow up to sub-alpine elevations and is very hardy.

     

You'll notice in the photos the flowers in the center are not opened up yet. The way these flowers mature is interesting and different. When the flowers mature in the warmer summer weather, they remain closed until an unsuspecting insect triggers tiny antenna-like hair. This in turn causes the flower to burst, sending a cloud of pollen into the air and onto whatever triggered it.

In closing, remember to keep your eyes peeled in all directions while exploring. Who knows, you may even see some of these plant dogs as well as some canine dogs!

Links:

More Cornus Information

The Odyssey

In the 8th century B.C., a very talented Greek author named Homer wrote the epic poem, The Odyssey. If you took a literature class in college, you may have read and discussed The Odyssey. It's basically a fascinating, long fictional story about Odysseus, the warrior-king of Ithaca. He wants to return home after fighting a long 10-year war, but the Greek Gods have other plans. The epic poem takes Odysseus and his men through many challenges of peril they must somehow survive on their journey back home - which takes another 10 years, all told. All this time he misses his wife, Penelope and son Telemachus.

One reason it takes poor Odysseus so long to get back home is that his ship and crew are lured onto the island of Ogygia, where Odysseus is detained by the seductive and beautiful Kalypso, the daughter of Titan Atlas. She offers him eternal life if he agrees to become her husband. He turns down the offer, but she continues to persuade him, apparently with many very long conversations! He remains on the island for 7 years and at some point comes to his senses and escapes. They encounter several more adventures before eventually getting back to Ithaca.

So you may at this point be wondering what Homer's story has to do with wildflowers? Now that I have lured you onto my island, I will tell you.

One of our favorite spring woodland flowers now blooming is the diminutive and exotic Calypso bulbosa, more commonly known as Fairy Slipper. Interesting also because the genus Calypso has only one species, the Calypso bulbosa. The short plant is about six inches tall and has a single oval leaf near the ground. The flower has three sepals (protective covers) and two actual petals. It's an exotic-looking single bloom, on a simple curved stem. It is aptly named after the nymph in Homer's story. As a member of the Orchid (Orchidaceae) family, it is in good company with other exotic flowers!

There are five native varieties of the plant, in most northern woodlands worldwide. Here in the Northwest U.S., we have the varietal "americana," which you see below. 

We found about a dozen of these Fairy Slippers growing in the forest at Hagg Lake a few days ago. They are hard to spot because when you look down at the understory where they grow, they blend in more than you would think. 

     

Sepals and Petals

As curious as its namesake, the Fairy Slipper life cycle is highly adapted to its habitat on the ground, rather than in a tree. In fall, each plant produces a single leaf, at the ground (photo below). This leaf remains throughout winter and is resistant to frost and snow. In spring, the 5-inch stem with the flower on the end emerges. In our area the bloom can be mid-April to mid-May depending on conditions.

The Fairy Slipper flower is a master of deception as it has no real nectar for insects to enjoy. But it  looks and smells like a flower that does! This attracts Bombus bees to enter the "slipper" pouch. When they realize it's for naught, they exit the flower, dragging some pollen with them. This batch of pollen is then deposited into the next Fairy Slipper the bee finds. After successful pollination, the bloom fades away and the seeds develop and are spread once the pod is dry in summer.

The single leaf is about the size of a quarter. Note
the stem in foreground.

Waiting for a pollinator bee.

Peeking out through a Sword Fern

White versions are not that uncommon according
to the guide books.

Front view showing leaf in back.

When you are out and about in the forest in the next few weeks, look down in the semi-shady patches. You may just get lucky and find a fairy looking for some new slippers! Just be sure not to pick the Calypso though, or you may be stranded for 7 years in the forest... 

Turning the Corner

Rain, sun, and clouds - a typical March day.

As I write this post on March 17th, there are plum trees blooming, daffodils up here and there, and even a few native trillium opening up. From a meteorological point of view, we have crossed over to the other side, so to speak: here in our neck of the woods today is the first day with more than 12 hours of daylight! So from now until the middle of June it only gets better for daylight. This means that the vacation is over for the staff here at Wildflower Blog Central! Time to dust off those lenses, charge up our batteries, and fill up the coffee thermos - after all those blooms wait for no man!


Since our last post, the days are longer, the soil is warmer, and the air temperature is going up. Rainfall and cold winds are decreasing as well. We've posted before about the single Apetala1 gene that controls flower blooming (see link below), so we won't get into the technical details here. All told, it means the lowland bloom season is underway. We've spotted several woodland natives coming out of their slumber, as well as some deciduous trees taking note of the impending arrival of spring.

Throughout history, springtime has been associated with new beginnings, fertility, and garden growth. For our local native wildflowers it's really very similar. The plants produce their blooms for one reason: to attract insects, birds, and other critters to ensure pollination. Without pollination, there is little chance of reproduction. Although some flowering plants can self-pollinate or propagate by division, the vast majority still need to put on a good show to be successful. Pollination is a simple concept but the actual process is quite complicated. If you would like to know more, see the link below.

One of our favorites, the dainty Oaks Toothwort (Cardamine nuttallii var. nuttallii) has arrived out at Hagg Lake, not surprisingly in a wooded oak area.



And it could not really be spring without the arrival of the native Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum). This one is at Rood Bridge park in Hillsboro.



The Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) flowers are fully blooming now, and their leaves are forming up. We've seen these shrubs in just about every local park recently.

At Jackson Bottom Wetlands, the male and female Hooker's Willow (Salix hookeriana) catkins are starting their pollination dance.

A Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) blooms in a creek bed at Hagg Lake (left); Red Alder (Alnus rubra) catkins show their colors at Rood Bridge park.

     

We spotted these Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes) plants starting to spread their ground covering leaves at Dairy Creek park. They won't bloom for another month or so, but they create large green carpets.

We don't claim to know much about individual moss species, but these Tall Clustered Thread moss (Bryum psudotriquetum) shoots were prevalent on tree stumps along the northeast side of the Hagg Lake trail. They don't have flowers to attract insects so they reproduce via primitive spores.

Next month watch for Earth Day activities around the 22nd. Also check your local listings for native plant sales in the area during April and May. Most are hosted by non-profits and have knowledgeable folks on hand for planting advice.

Links:

How do flowers know when to bloom?

Moss Reproduction

Process of Pollination

Out and About

We are always eager to see the early signs of spring and the subtle hints of new growth in the plant world. There are some dependable non-natives that show their colors by mid-February but what about our stalwart natives? Our mild winter was luring us into thinking we were done with the season, but plants know better! As a cold snap approaches this week, should our hopes be dashed, like watching the media star groundhogs back east? Or shall we go with what we know from observation?!

Here are a few clues to answering that seasonal question. Suffice to say, for the next week I'm sticking with my hot coffee thermos and keeping the heavy coat handy as we're out and about.

Non-native crocus in our yard on Feb. 10

While most local trails are still looking pretty dormant, you may spot some of these local natives lurking in the bushes:

Rood Bridge Park, Feb. 9.

Red Flowering Currant Buds on Feb. 9
(Ribes sanguineum)

This Indian Plum is reliably an early bloomer!
(Oemleria cerasiformis)

One of my favorites, the symbolic Tall Oregon Grape

 on Feb. 2 (Mahonia aquifolium, a.k.a., Berberis aquifolium).

Meanwhile, the fungus season marches on, in deference to the flashier and green neighbors coming out of hibernation. That said, keep your eyes peeled for more natives emerging in the next few weeks.

And last, but not least, if you are thinking about "going native" and planting more natives on your property, here's a great resource link to check out: OSU Native Plant Gardening page.

The Annual Moss Edition - 2018

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

By mid-winter, where we are now, our dedicated wildflower search team starts to get antsy. Even though we are having a very mild winter here in western Oregon, nothing native is blooming. Of course, nature does not come to a complete stop in winter, nor do we; well I supposed we do stop at times, for example when the old cat won't get off a cozy lap. But when we do get out on the trail, we strive to discover new areas to re-visit during the blooming season. That also gets us on our feet and moving around in nature - always a good thing for the mind and soul.

If you live in western Oregon then you know that nearly any mid-winter forest walk will take on a greenish-brownish look. The conifers are green, the moss is green, the ferns are green, and all the dead leaves on the ground are brown. Luckily there are usually frequent creeks, streams, and waterfalls to break this monophonic scenery. Other natural colors are hard to come by; but they are there if you know where to look and you get lucky. For example, we found this Orange Jelly fungus  (Dacrymyces palmatus) oozing out of a stump at T.H.N.P.

Jelly for your toast? 

You could say there are two kinds of moss people: those who hate moss because it gets in their lawns, mucks up the roof, and covers the walkways; and those who see it as an attractive native plant, doing its part for the damp habitat we occupy. There are about 700 different species of moss in our area, and all are abundant at all elevations. Here are a couple of very common ones living in our local parks.

Menzies Neckera (Metaneckera menziesii) covers a
White Oak at T.H.N.P.

Cat Tail Moss (Isothecium myosuroides) covers old
Vine Maples at Noble Woods Park

If you're looking to soak up some knowledge about Bryophyta plants (moss), see my posts from prior years (links below). Suffice to say, we live in the ideal environment for these curious flowerless and seedless plants. This year, we are featuring some photos from the Galen McBee Airport Park in McMinnville, Oregon. It's an obscure little park with a few walking trails and plenty of moss covered benches! It's a worthwhile stop if you are in the area.

     

The park is mostly natural but has a few curious structures. 

     

There has to be a good story behind this mushroom hut!

    

The trails feature several whimsical water fountains that are 

no longer functional. A small creek winds through the park.

     

At left, an old Big Leaf Maple is almost completely covered; at right,
a patch of lichen stakes a claim on this oak.

And last but not least, we spotted these mushrooms

caught in the late day sun near the creek.

Links:

2017 Annual Moss Edition

2016 Annual Moss Edition

2015 Annual Moss Edition

Newspaper Article about Airport Park (2017)

Urban Legends

You know the feeling - suddenly you get the urge to put on your hiking boots, fill your water bottle, grab the camera, and head out for the nearest trail. I hesitate to say "the call of nature" because that has come to mean something entirely different. Nonetheless, the known benefits of the exercise and just being out in nature are too good to ignore! The urge comes frequently in the summer, so our posts tend to fall behind. But not to worry, early January is a perfect time to crack open the backlog and share past adventures!



We are indeed fortunate to live in an area where the choices are numerous depending on how much time you have and how far you want to go. Some trails and parks become regulars, to be enjoyed over and over, while others are somewhat familiar, like distant cousins at a family reunion.

This post is about a local urban trail we enjoyed on a very hot summer day in August 2017. Like many of our nearby forested hikes, the Portland 4T Loop trail, as it is called, is a respectable four miles long (trail portion), is mostly shaded, and has the distinction of letting you ride the other sections of the loop route on a tram, a trolley car, and a light rail train, hence the 4T name. There's quite a bit of uphill for the first two miles, then some down and then more up! The reward at the end of the hiking part is when you hop on the aerial tram and zoom down to river level in about three minutes! Then we had fun stopping for coffee and snacks and taking in the sights of this busy area before riding the trolley over to the light rail stop to get back to our starting point at the zoo.

One of the highlights of our day hike was finding a gem of a mosaic near the end of the trail. It's a large, stepped, artwork by Lynn Takata showing the native flora and fauna of Marquam Nature Park, where the trail passes. Completed in 2013, the work is a tribute to nature and the community effort needed to bring it to fruition.

     

 A wren and creek at left; Hooker's Fairy Bell at right.

     

Western Trillium and Stellar's Jay at left; Orange Honeysuckle and hummingbird at right.

     

False Solomon Seal berries at left; mosaic marker at right.

Most of the four mile hike is what we call "relaxed" although there are several steep sections. You see plenty of homes tucked into the woods and it's a popular route for locals. Overall it was a good way to spend the afternoon in the shade while getting some exercise. It's also a great route for your active visitors if you don't feel like a long ride to the coast or Columbia Gorge.

Links:

Four T Trail Info

Marquam Nature Park

Portland Aerial Tram